Best Hiking Sun Hats for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: February 8th, 2024

🧢When you're hiking, having a good sun hat is key. It protects you from harmful UV rays and keeps you comfy under the hot sun. We dived into various reviews and expert insights to bring you our favorite picks for hiking sun hats in 2024.

Whether you're watching your wallet, care about style, or need specific features like good ventilation or packability, we've got you covered. Keep reading to find the sun hats that will keep you at ease and protected on your hikes.

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Overall Best: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat

Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat Pumice Small-Medium

The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is our top pick because it strikes the perfect balance between sun protection, comfort, and packability. This hat boasts a UPF 50+ rating, ensuring maximum UV protection. It features a wide brim and a long neck cape to cover all exposed areas. Made from lightweight and breathable materials, it keeps you cool on long hikes. Added touches like a sunglass keeper and anti-glare material under the brim make it ideal for reflective environments like water or snow, ensuring you'll stay comfortable and protected.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$31.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How effective is the Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat for sun protection?
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat does a solid job when it comes to sun protection. Our research highlights its UPF 50+ rating, which means it does a great job shielding you from UVA and UVB rays. This is pretty important, whether you're on a hiking trail, relaxing at the beach, or just working in the garden. The hat is quite practical—it has a 3.25-inch split brim and a 6-inch neck cape, as noted by the manufacturer. This design gives your face and neck good coverage from the sun, which are really easy areas to miss. From what we've seen, people appreciate how functional and comfy this hat is. It comes with a wicking sweatband and breathable mesh panels, which help keep sweat in check and improve air circulation. This can really make a difference if you're out for a long time in the heat, as it helps you stay cooler and less sweaty. It's also gotten some praise in professional reviews, like the Editors' Choice Award for Technical Use, because of its lightweight design, quick-drying material, and durability. However, it might not be winning any fashion contests, according to some feedback. Overall, feedback from people who have used it confirms it's reliable for sun protection and comfort. They frequently mention how light and breathable it is. On the downside, a few folks noted the back flap can be a bit lacking if you have a bigger neck, especially on super sunny days. Some have also mentioned the fit could be an issue, saying the adjustment mechanisms might not hold up well during intense activity, leading to the hat shifting around. All things considered, if you care more about sun protection than style, the Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat seems to be a smart pick for anyone who loves being outdoors.
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How well does the Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat perform in windy conditions?
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Hat does a pretty good job when it comes to handling windy conditions. It's versatile and comes with features that make it reliable for outdoor activities like hiking or boating. In terms of sun protection, the manufacturer claims it offers a UPF 50+ rating and has a 6-inch neck cape to keep those harsh rays at bay. Plus, its adjustable sizing is a nice touch, especially if you've got a head size between 21.3 to 22.9 inches in the Small-Medium range. So, what about wind? According to our research, most folks seem to like how lightweight it is, and that it tends to stay put even as the wind picks up. The adjustable chin strap really helps keep it snug during breezy moments, showing it's made with real-world outdoor use in mind. People generally feel confident it stays secure in moderately windy conditions. Of course, no product is perfect. Some have mentioned that the brim can flip up in particularly strong gusts. Tightening the fit seems to help a bit with this. Also, some feedback indicates the neck flap could be a tad longer for better coverage. Overall, the hat gets a thumbs-up for comfort and durability. It's seen as a solid choice if you're after reliable sun protection and decent wind resistance. While it might trade a little style for practicality, many outdoor enthusiasts appreciate that balance. Whether you're out for a leisurely walk or tackling something more adventurous, this hat appears to be a trustworthy addition to your gear.

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Runner-up: Filson Summer Packer

Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat One Size Grill

The Filson Summer Packer is a versatile and stylish option that comes in as our runner-up. It's crafted from high-quality, durable materials and features a wide brim for excellent sun protection. Although it isn't as packable as some other options, it transitions seamlessly from hiking trails to casual settings, making it a great all-around hat. The craftsmanship and durability of the Filson Summer Packer make it a worthy investment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lowest at Amazon
$25.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$16.19 at Fanatics

More Answers

Still curious about the Bora Bora Booney Hat? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How breathable is the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat?
The Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat is a solid pick if you're heading outdoors and want a good mix of protection and comfort. It's pretty popular with folks who spend a lot of time fishing or just hanging out in the sun. The hat's design has some neat features that make it great for keeping you shaded. One major plus is the wide brim, which is great for providing shade to your face and neck. It's a good idea, as our research suggests, to still pop on some [sunscreen](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsunscreen%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) where the brim doesn't cover, though. When it comes to staying cool, this hat does the job well. The manufacturer uses lightweight and breathable nylon, so even on really warm days, it shouldn't feel too stifling. This makes a big difference when you're wearing it for hours. The hat also offers UPF 50 sun protection, which is great if you're watching out for UV rays. Some folks mention that pairing this protection with [sunscreen](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsunscreen%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) can help even more, particularly for areas not fully covered by the brim. Plus, it has a moisture-wicking sweatband that keeps the sweat from making things sticky—super helpful if you're in a hot and humid environment. There are a couple of quirks to keep in mind, though. Some people noted that if the hat gets wet, the brim might get floppy and could block your view. Also, since it's a 'one-size-fits-most,' it might feel a bit loose on smaller heads, but the adjustable drawcord is there to help with the fit. All in all, the Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat is a breathable and sun-smart choice for moderate outdoor activities. Just watch out for wetter situations or if you're worried about the fit, and you should be good to go!

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Budget Pick: EINSKEY Sun Hat

EINSKEY Men's Waterproof Sun Hat, Outdoor Sun Protection Bucket Safari Cap For Safari Fishing Hunting Dark Gray One Size

For those on a budget, the EINSKEY Sun Hat is a fantastic choice. Despite its affordable price, it offers remarkable sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating and a wide brim. The hat is made from lightweight and breathable fabric, ensuring comfort during long hikes without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a budget-friendly hat that doesn't skimp on quality, the EINSKEY Sun Hat is the way to go.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$13.99 at Amazon

Best for Backpacking: Buff Explore Booney Hat

The Buff Explore Booney Hat is our top pick for backpackers. It's designed with moisture-wicking and breathable materials, keeping you dry and comfortable even on strenuous hikes. The wide brim offers ample sun protection, while the adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit. Its lightweight and packable design make it easy to stow in your backpack, making it an excellent addition to any backpacker's gear.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$40.07 at Amazon

Best for Water Sports: Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat

For water sports enthusiasts, the Outdoor Research Sunbriolet Sun Hat is the top recommendation. Featuring a generously sized brim and made from quick-drying materials, this hat offers exceptional protection and comfort in wet conditions. It includes mesh zones for enhanced breathability while maintaining a UPF 50+ rating. The removable chin strap ensures a secure fit, even in windy conditions, making it perfect for activities like kayaking or fishing.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon
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